Big crowds helped kick off the local varsity football season under Friday night's full moon.

Defending conference champs Avonworth Antelopes proved that the loss of a dozen seniors wasn't going to make a difference in their ability to win games. In a nonsection game, the 'Lopes held Western Beaver scoreless. Jimmy Zubik picked up 160 yards and two touchdowns, with the third added by Eddie Kurtz. On defense, both Ryan Schmid and Andrew Niklaus had interceptions.

Final score: Avonworth 19, Western Beaver 0

Down at Alumni Field, the Northgate Flames held off a much larger team from Seton LaSalle throughout much of the first half. The score stood at 7-6 Seton until just about two minutes before the half, when Seton picked up their second TD. The visitors came back in the third quarter with a steady stream of touchdowns, upping their total to 42 points and putting the "mercy rule" into effect. Northgate scored a final touchdown before the clock ran out on the game.

Final score: Northgate 12, Seton LaSalle 42